New Swimming Pool Grand Opening on Saturday, May 2

By Allan Jamail

Jacinto City, TX. – On May 10, 2018 at the city council meeting, Justice of the Peace Judge George Risner gave the Oath of Office to Councilmen Jimmy “JJ” Rivas, Gregg Robinson, and Allen Lee, all of them unopposed in the city election.

The city’s government is composed of a mayor and five council members serving a two-year term in staggered elections. Three of the five council members were on the ballot this year with the mayor, and two council member positions are up for election in May of 2019.

The monthly salary and benefits for mayor and city council was unanimously approved with council members receiving $350 in salary and $225 for auto expense. The mayor’s monthly salary is $400 with $300 auto expense. Councilman Allen Lee was approved as Mayor Pro Tem to act in the mayor’s absence.

Kyle Reed, Public Works Director said the city’s 2017 Consumer Confidence Report met the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) safe water regulations. The city’s main source of drinking water is purchased from the city of Houston, coming from Lake Houston. The lake water is pumped to a water purification plant that treats and tests it to insure it meets the EPA guidelines before it’s distributed to Jacinto City’s consumers.

Galena Park, TX. – On Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 6:00 PM, Mayor Esmeralda Moya called the Galena Park Commission meeting to order. After a prayer and pledge to the flag the Commissioners unanimously approved the reading of the Minutes of the April 17th and May 1st meetings and the Accounts Payable through May 15th.

On a unanimous vote of approval the Commission approved Resolution R052018 accepting the results of the May 5th General Election.

Re-elected for a new two year term is, Mayor Esmeralda Moya, Commissioners Rodney Chersky and Barry Ponder. Newly elected Commissioners to begin their first term to serve are Zenaida Granados and Veronica Garcia.

Jamal Humphries, a candidate who lost in his race against Rodney Chersky, made a public comment. Humphries said, “I’m not crying about the results of the election nor are these sour grapes but, I want to point out the fact there were four voters who voted in the election that wasn’t on the Harris County’s approved voters list. I don’t know how this could have happened, but I’m concerned about it and will be monitoring future elections for irregularities”.

There was a standing room only attendance so the Mayor adjourned the meeting and invited everyone to come out front of city hall to witness the swearing-in and oath of office to the Commission by Justice of the Peace George Risner.

After the swearing-in ceremony Mayor Moya said, “On this day, we gather because we have chosen progress over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.”

“The City of Galena Park is a community where citizens work hand in hand. We the people of Galena Park are the keepers of this legacy. We the people of Galena Park have the responsibility to protect it and to demand a greater effort, greater cooperation and understanding from each other. We must inherit these values to our children and the children of our children who will continue with the work we have started today.”

Galena Park, TX. – On Tuesday, May 15th, 2018, the Galena Park/Jacinto City Rotary Club recognized Law Officers of the Year from police departments of Galena Park, Jacinto City and the Precinct 2 Constable’s Office.

Galena Park Interim Police Chief Rick Gonzales, since taking office in February, chose Sergeant Mike Knox, a 30 year veteran of the department, as the Officer of the Year. Gonzales said, “Sgt. Knox is my Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the department this year. Our department wouldn’t be the same without him; I quickly learned I could depend on him to take care of any assignment given.”

Jacinto City Police Chief Joe Ayala named Patrolman Ali Kamali as his officer of the year, calling him a true public servant. “His recognition comes due to his outstanding service to the community, he has a big heart and makes it a habit to check on the concerns of our elderly and at times he goes out of his way taking expenses out of his own pocket to make it better for someone in need,” Ayala said.

THIS TOYOTA TRUCK is one of 20 prizes in the Raffle to be held Saturday at the 43rd Annual North Shore Rotary Fish Fry. The event will take place Saturday, May 19 from 11am to 3pm at the Rotary Pavilion behind the Courthouse on Wallisville Road. Tickets for the Raffle are $100, and for the Fish Fry dinner, only $12 Presale, $15 at the gate. All Rotarians are selling tickets, and many businesses including Pineforest Jewelry, as seen above. Live and Silent Auctions with lots of unique items will also be held. THE PUBLIC IS INVITED.